america want to resist hugo chavez, the castro brothers and deepen ties with the united states on trade, energy and security. but in all of these places just as in the middle east the question is asked, where does america stand. i know many americans are asking, why us? i know many americans are asking whether our country today with our ailing economy and massive debt and after 11 years of war is still capable of leading. i believe that if america doesn't lead others will. others who don't share our interests and our values and the world would grow darker for our friends and for us. america's security in the cause of freedom cannot afford four more years like the last four years. i'm running for president because i believe the leader of the free world has a duty to our citizens and to our friends everywhere to use america's great influence wise ly without false pride and also to shape events in ways that secure our interests, further our values, prevent conflict and make the world better -- not perfect, but better. our friends and allies across the globe don't want less american leadership. the